The U.S. Army Military History Institute at Carlisle Barracks originally published General William E. DePuy's oral history as a convincing example of this relatively new technique in the historian's arsenal. It soon became apparent, however, that the audience recognized in this interview a larger, more enduring value and utility. Here was an Army leader, a fighter, trainer, and thinker, imparting his wisdom and experience to the officer and NCO corps in his own words. The DePuy interviews easily fulfilled the Military History Institute's criteria for oral history publications. It concerned a figure immediately recognizable to a large number of Army officers, one who had made a major impact on the development of the Army since World War II, and one whose career had spanned a period of signification change within the service. Simply put, General DePuy's career demonstrates that one man can make a huge difference in our Army.

From North Dakota to Normandy -- Education of a battle leader -- Across the Moselle and into Germany -- The need for change: reflections on World War II -- Education of a general staff officer -- Early days of the Second Indochina War -- Introducing agility: the First Division -- Washington transition: 1967-1972 -- Changing an Army -- 1985: afterthoughts.